AmsterdamTransit Guide
Everything tourists need to navigate Amsterdam's trams, metro, buses, and trains — without overpaying, getting fined, or falling for a scam.
Introduction
Amsterdam has one of the best public transit systems in Europe — trams, metro, buses, ferries, and trains all working together across the city. GVB runs the city network. NS runs intercity trains including the Schiphol connection. Once you understand how the payment system works, navigating Amsterdam becomes genuinely simple.
The single biggest mistake tourists make is buying a single-use paper ticket on board. Always use OVpay contactless or an OV-chipkaart — it costs less than half the price.
How to Pay — The Simple Answer
Amsterdam now uses OVpay — a system that lets you tap directly with your contactless bank card, credit card, or phone (Apple Pay / Google Pay). You do not need to buy anything in advance. Just tap.
OVpay — Just Tap Your Card
Hold your contactless Visa or Mastercard against the yellow OVpay reader when you board any tram, metro, or bus. Tap again when you exit. A typical tram ride costs approximately €1.56 — compared to €3.40 for a paper ticket.
Travelling from outside the EU? Wise gives you a contactless Mastercard that works on all Amsterdam transit at the real exchange rate — no hidden fees, no foreign transaction charges.
American Express is NOT accepted on Amsterdam public transit. If you only have an AmEx, get an OV-chipkaart from any GVB service desk or NS ticket machine.
Ticket Type Comparison
| Payment Method | Price Per Ride | Where to Get | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| OVpay Contactless | ~€1.56 | Your own bank card | Best for tourists |
| GVB 24-Hour Pass | €9.00 flat | GVB machines / app | Good if 6+ rides/day |
| Single Paper Ticket | €3.40 | On board (tram) | Avoid |
| I amsterdam City Card | €65–€130 | iamsterdam.com | Only if visiting 5+ museums daily |
Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport is 17km southwest of Amsterdam. Here is the honest comparison of every option.
| Option | Cost | Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| NS Train ✅ | €5.30–€5.90 | 17 min | Best option |
| Bus Line 397 | €5.00 | 30–40 min | Good alternative |
| Official Taxi | €40–€55 | 20–35 min | Groups only |
| Unlicensed Taxi | €100–€980 | Variable | Scam — avoid |
Unlicensed taxi drivers approach tourists inside the arrivals hall. Documented charges: €485, €600, and one case of €980 for a journey the NS train completes for €5.30 in 17 minutes. Never accept an approach inside the terminal.
Standard GVB day passes do NOT cover the Schiphol train. Only the Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes airport transport. If you land at Schiphol with a GVB pass, you still pay separately for the NS train.
Amsterdam Tram Network
Trams are the backbone of Amsterdam city transport. Always board through the front or "Welcome"-marked doors. Tap your OVpay card on the yellow reader immediately upon boarding. Tap again on any reader when you exit.
Key Lines for Tourists
- Line 2: Centraal Station → Leidseplein → Vondelpark → Museumplein
- Line 4: Centraal Station → Rembrandtplein → De Pijp
- Line 11: Centraal Station → Artis Zoo → Waterlooplein
- Line 14: Centraal → Waterlooplein → Flevopark
If you forget to tap out on a tram, GVB automatically charges the maximum fare. On NS trains, the penalty for a missed tap-out is €20. Always tap both IN and OUT on every single journey.
The Free Ferry
Behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, GVB runs free ferry services across the IJ river to Amsterdam Noord. No ticket required. No tap needed. The Buiksloterweg ferry runs every few minutes and takes 5 minutes. The NDSM ferry runs every 15–20 minutes and takes 10 minutes.
Amsterdam Scams to Avoid
- Schiphol taxi scam — unlicensed drivers in arrivals hall. Always use NS train (€5.30).
- Fake ticket sellers — people near Centraal Station selling expired tickets at "discount" prices. Tickets are worthless and you still get fined.
- Pickpockets on trams — trams are the most active location for pickpockets in Amsterdam. Keep bags in front of you, especially on crowded Line 2.
- Wrong boarding door — if you board through an exit door your tap-in fails silently. You will be charged the maximum fare at exit.
Money-Saving Tips
- OVpay contactless is cheaper than any pass for 1–2 days of travel
- GVB day pass (€9–10) only worth it if making 6+ journeys per day
- The free ferries cross the IJ river — tourist canal boats charge €15+ for the same route
- Most central attractions are 10–20 minutes walking distance from each other
- Always take the NS train from Schiphol — never take an unsolicited taxi offer